03 Oct 2005 at 20:51 - 6
Something I've wanted to try, but have been too busy to attempt it.
The recent buff to three skills in particular: Riposte, Deadly Riposte, and Dolyak Signet. I would always venture down into the UW with those three. Problem was, the only reason I would die against an aatxe was because of Riposte and Deadly Riposte. The reason being I could never get enough hits in for another bonettis and you'll get hit by those two more often than their attacks when you run three stances.
I go in with a +7 vs. physical pommel, Dolyak Signet and Watch Yourself. No fooling, hit me for 19 damage. Deadly Riposte, 47 and bleeding. Thus what I've wanted to do is bring down two weapon sets, a sword and shield, and a wand and shield. Use the wand to build up adrenaline for Watch Yourself and Riposte, switch to sword and put up Riposte and Deadly Riposte. At 16 tactics, I believe you're looking at 110+ damage. Meanwhile, the aatxe is hitting you for a fraction of that.
When you get to the smites, Dolyak Signet again will prevent the knockdown. Don't use Deadly Riposte. The smites will merely cast Mend Condition, heal all the damage you dealt with it, and trigger their Zealot's Fire.
And you can easily farm aatxes as a w/n. Deadly Riposte, Gladiators Defense, and Enfeebling Blood. Don't attack, just block and slowly kill them.